Google to ban political ad ban in Philippines ahead of elections

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Google to ban political ad ban in Philippines ahead of elections

The run-up to the Philippine elections in May next year will be the subject of Alphabet's ban on political advertising on its platform, according to the company's website.

The move comes amid the pressure on social media platforms over their handling of political advertising during the US presidential election in 2020.

Social media platforms have become political battlegrounds in the Southeast Asian nation, with studies showing Filipinos top the rankings for time spent on social media.

In an update to its political content policy, Google said that ads that promote or oppose any political party or political party for public office would not be allowed to run between Feb 8 and May 9, 2022.

The dates cover the period of campaigning in the Philippines up to the May 9 election day.

Advertisers would be notified about the policy update, according to Google.

Social platforms like Facebook have helped strengthen Duterte's support base, with analysts saying they were instrumental in his election victory in 2016 and a rout by his allies in mid-term polls last year.

The Philippines will choose a successor to Duterte, who will not be allowed to seek another term, but will be standing for a senator's seat.